Liverpool come into the match on the back of a 4-0 thumping of Marseille, which sealed the Merseyside club's progress to the last 16 of the Champions League after a disastrous start in the competition.

"We are in good shape after winning in Marseille," said Benitez. "When you play well, score four goals on a difficult away ground, everyone is happy.

"Obviously, it is important to win every game but especially when you are at home.

"Considering the rivalry between the clubs we want to beat United. It will be a special game."

Ferguson concurred with that view, urging his players to rise to the challenge of playing rivals Liverpool at Anfield.

I want our fans to be behind our team and not to especially have resentment with Ashley Cole

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger

"We both look upon the other as our main rival," he revealed. "You have to be a man to handle that atmosphere. If you are a lamb, you are dead.

"It encapsulates everything in British football: the passion, the fervour of the fans, the ability of the players."

United will knock Arsenal off the top of the Premier League should they win at Anfield, a match that kicks off at 1330 GMT, and will remain there if the Londoners are held or beaten by Chelsea in the 1600 GMT kick-off.

In the later game, Ashley Cole will return to Arsenal for the first time since leaving in acrimonious circumstances 20 months ago.

The England left-back is guaranteed a hostile reception but Blues manager Avram Grant is not worried about plunging him into the action.